Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers preview and picks

In tonight’s Eastern Conference matchup, the Miami Heat (16-12) are playing the Philadelphia 76ers (15-13) at Wells Fargo Center. Will Joel Embiid and the 76ers win their first head-to-head meeting this season versus the Heat?

Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers news

Heading into Wednesday night’s intraconference contest, the Heat are 16-12 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA season, whereas the 76ers are 13-15 against the spread. This game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET, and it will air live through Bally Sports Sun, NBA League Pass and NBC Sports Philadelphia. Per Land of Basketball’s database, based on 127 head-to-head regular season games played all-time, Miami is 65-62 versus Philadelphia. However, in the past three head-to-head meetings, the 76ers are 2-1 against them.

On May 13, 2021, the last time these teams faced off during the regular season, the Heat won 106-94. In other news, a major story across the league right now concerns the number of players testing positive for COVID-19. The Heat are no exception. Forward Caleb Martin is the only player in the NBA’s healthy and safety protocols, but the roster is still not healthy. Miami is missing Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Markieff Morris and other players. Even Tyler Herro is listed as questionable.

And that is with only one player in protocols: Caleb Martin. https://t.co/rEKMHWhkXB

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 15, 2021

Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers betting lines and odds

Sportsbook: BetUS

Over/Under: 205

Point spread: 76ers -6 (-110)

Best moneyline: Heat +200, 76ers -240

Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers injury report

76ers: SG Seth Curry (questionable) | PG Ben Simmons (out indefinitely) | C Joel Embiid (questionable) | PG Grant Riller (out indefinitely) | SG Jaden Springer (out)

#Sixers center Joel Embiid (rib soreness) & shooting guard Seth Curry (right shoulder soreness) are listed as questionable for tonight’s game vs. the #MiamiHeat. The Heat will have 5 players out, including Jimmy Butler (tailbone contusion) & Bam Adebayo (thumb injury right).

— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) December 15, 2021

Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers preview

Additionally, in the Heat’s 105-94 road loss versus the Cavaliers on Monday, forward P.J. Tucker led his team in points and rebounds, accumulating 23 points and 9.0 rebounds in 35 minutes played. His point total was a season-high, too. Guard Kyle Lowry also closed out his showing with 22 points, 3.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 38 minutes on the court. During this lopsided contest, Miami was outscored 32 to 19 in the second quarter.

In addition to the Cavs out-rebounding the Heat 42 to 39, the Cavs sank more long-range jumpers. The Heat shot 38-for-85 (44.7%) from the floor and 13-for-40 (32.5%) from three-point range. While the team has a lot of injured players, they are slowly collapsing. Miami has won just four out of their past 10 games. After this loss, the Heat are 8-8 away, 8-4 at home and 8-8 ATS on the road this season. Plus, the team ranks fifth overall in the Eastern Conference.

According to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the 76ers have a 53.1% chance of winning.

As for the 76ers, on Monday, in their 126-91 road loss against the Grizzlies, guard Tyrese Maxey scored a team-high 23 points in 30 minutes played. Charles Bassey earned another career double-double, finishing his performance with 13 points and 10 rebounds in 22 minutes of action. In their 35-point blowout, Memphis out-rebounded Philadelphia 50 to 38.

Nevertheless, both teams had a total of 60 points scored in the paint. Defensively, the Sixers were never in it. They allowed 68 first-half points, and the team surrendered 14 threes. Philadelphia shot 37-for-83 (44.6%) from the field and 4-for-22 (18.2%) from behind the arc. Following this away defeat, the team is now 9-7 away, 6-6 at home and 4-8 ATS at home this season. The 76ers rank sixth in the east below the Heat.

Projected starting lineup

Heat: PG Kyle Lowry | SG Gabe Vincent | SF Duncan Robinson | PF P.J. Tucker | C Dewayne Dedmon

76ers: PG Tyrese Maxey | SG Furkan Korkmaz | SF Matisse Thybulle | PF Tobias Harris | C Joel Embiid

Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers prediction

Moreover, the total for tonight’s Eastern Conference matchup is set at 205. With reference to the spread consensus, 57% of bettors are convinced the 76ers will cover the spread at Wells Fargo Center. Pertaining to the point total consensus, 75% of gamblers are presuming the total will go over 205. As of yet, Miami is 9-9 as a favorite, 7-3 as an underdog and 8-8 ATS away, whereas Philadelphia is 9-3 as a favorite, 6-10 as an underdog and 4-8 ATS at home.

Moving on to betting trends, the Heat are 4-8 ATS in their previous 12 performances this season. Along with an inconsistent against-the-spread statistic, the total has gone over in four of their past five road contest Next, Miami is 6-3 ATS in their last nine matches versus Philadelphia, and the team is 9-1 straight up in their previous 10 contests against Atlantic Division opponents. Lastly, the Heat are 5-10 ATS in their past 15 games played in December.

On the other side, the 76ers are 1-4 ATS in their last five performances. Also, they are 4-2 SU in their previous six games played. And, the team is 1-6 ATS in their past seven contests played at Wells Fargo Center. Nonetheless, the Sixers are 5-1 SU in their last six matches versus the Heat at home. All things considered, contemplate picking the 76ers to win. Though, the Heat might cover the spread. If interested, be sure to read our handicap betting guide.